he’d barely survived losing him. Losing Cannon would kill him for sure. Having Cannon in his life wasn’t worth the risk.
“The only way you’ll lose him is if you keep pushing him away. Go home, Turner. Cuddle your boy and your dog, who’s probably out of her mind with worry over both of you.”
Turner stood and offered a hand out to Cannon who took it.
Ryder, who had been standing in the doorway watching Brock hold court, moved forward to hug Cannon. “Listen to Brock, okay?” Cannon nodded against his shoulder. “I’m coming down to the shelter next Saturday to see that white greyhound you keep telling me about. What’s her name again?”
Cannon snorted. “Her name is Zippy, but I’ve been calling her Belle, like the Disney Princess.”
“That’s all I need is another Princess.” Brock smiled at his husband.
Turner had no doubt Belle had just found her forever family.
14
The car ride back to Turner’s house was silent. Cannon spent the time trying to pull his scattered thoughts back together. His heart was broken for Turner. Not only for losing Bryce but also for the fact that Bryce had deceived him. Turner’s demand that he be honest with him about being submissive made sense now. He didn’t want to end up in another relationship like the one with Bryce.
He supposed the biggest obstacle in going home to work things out was what each of them wanted out of the relationship. Cannon wanted Turner forever, while it seemed like Turner only wanted him for now. Knowing he wasn’t a “for now” kind of man was twisting his stomach in knots.
“Stay.” Turner broke the silence when he parked the car in his driveway. He got out of the car and walked around to Cannon’s side, opening the door and holding out his hand.
Cannon took it and let Turner help him out of the car. The icy February wind hurt his face and he ducked into the collar of his jacket.
“You need a heavier coat, gloves, a hat and boots.” Turner twisted the key in the lock.
“Yes, sir.” Cannon would be able to afford all of those things by June of next year if he saved hard.
Daisy barked happily when Turner ushered Cannon into the house. She sat prettily and offered her paw to Cannon.
“Hi princess, I missed you.” He sank to the floor in front of her and hugged the rottie tight while Turner hung up his coat.
Daisy backed away from Cannon to shake with Turner.
“Oh, you’re speaking to me again now that I brought the brat home?” He bent and gave Daisy a hug like he’d seen Cannon do. “Are you hungry?”
“No, I ate with the guys. Chris made food for the study party.”
“Does he do that all the time?”
“The party moves from house to house each week. All of the men like to see us well fed. Asher loves testing out new recipes. Last time it was something Korean I can’t pronounce. Chris feeds us like it’s our last meal and Brock loads us up with salads and fruit. I’m the only one who doesn’t host because all I’ve got is macaroni and cheese.” He huffed a rough laugh.
Turner nodded, thinking about what a Sunday afternoon would be like with four boys studying in the kitchen. He smiled, wondering if they’d like his famous pot roast recipe. Like it or not, Cannon breathed life into his cold house and his dead heart.
“Come on.” Turner held out a hand to Cannon who laced their hands together. Leading Cannon upstairs, his mind raced with all of the things he wanted to say to his boy. He ushered the brat into his bedroom, shutting and locking the door behind him.
“Now what?” Cannon rubbed his thumb against Turner’s hand.
Turner pulled Cannon close and kissed him with all the pent up emotions roiling through his body. Anger, grief, rage, love and possession all came pouring out into the kiss.
Cannon untangled their hands and tried to push Turner back.
“Tell me you want me, brat. Say it. Say you need me.” Turner’ eyes burned with need.
“I want you, sir. You know I
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